Evening Standard
·31 Oktober 2024
Evening Standard
·31 Oktober 2024
Red Devils closing in on deal to appoint Erik ten Hag’s full-time replacement
Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the appointment of Ruben Amorim as their new manager.
The Red Devils sacked Erik ten Hag earlier week after a dreadful start to the season and have placed club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy in interim charge of the first team.
Former United striker Van Nistelrooy oversaw a big 5-2 win over Leicester in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday in his first game in charge and is expected to remain in his post until at least the game with Chelsea on Sunday.
Still, work is seemingly going behind the scenes to appoint Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim, one of the most highly rated young coaches in the world.
The Portuguese giants have confirmed United have made an official approach for the 39-year-old, though Amorim was coy about the prospect of a move to Old Trafford when speaking on Tuesday night.
"I've seen the statement from the club and the interest of Man United,” he said, per Sky Sports. "I have a release clause and when something more concrete emerges, it will be communicated. Nothing has yet been decided.
Ruud van Nistelrooy won his first game in temporary charge of Manchester United
Action Images via Reuters
"I'm not here to speak about my contract. Those terms stay between myself and Sporting. Every coach has a clause and this is what was agreed between us.”
Widespread reports, however, suggest United are edging closer to a deal.
Here’s everything we know so far…
According to the Daily Telegraph, Sporting are set to confirm Amorim’s move to Manchester imminently.
They claim it is expected that he will remain in his post until after their game with Braga on Sunday, November 10, 2024 before leaving.
By that timeline, Amorim’s first game in charge of his new club will be their trip to Ipswich on Sunday, November 24, 2024.
United face Chelsea and Leicester in the Premier League before then, along with PAOK in the Europa League and Van Nistelrooy is expected to remain in charge for all of those games.
Asked if it is expectation that he will remain as an assistant under the new United boss, Ruud van Nistelrooy told reporters after his first game in charge: "As an assistant, I came here to help the club forward, and I'm still very motivated to do so in any capacity as an assistant and now as an interim manager
“After that I go back to my assistant contract that I have here for this season and next. I'm very motivated to stay here and help the club forward. That's my absolute goal."